





           General Midi Emulator for The Roland CM-64 LA/PCM Sound Module
           General Midi Emulator for The Roland CM-64 LA/PCM Sound Module
           General Midi Emulator for The Roland CM-64 LA/PCM Sound Module
                                 V1.0   25 July 1994
                                 V1.0   25 July 1994
                                 V1.0   25 July 1994
                                   by Rick Hoffner


          Well I've finally decided to unleash these instrument maps on the
          world (or at least on some unsuspecting sound module owners).
          These files allow users of the CM-64 to play the current
          generation of game software which seems to be forsaking the old
          MT-32 in favor of the more universal General Midi standard.  By
          dumping the appropriate sysex message to your module before
          running your game software you will hear something approximating
          the correct set of instruments.

          I have included a map for all the PCM cards in my collection
          (well not number 10 - rock drums. . . It really didn't allow any
          kind of meaningful remapping).  If you have a card not
          represented in this collection consider yourself fortunate.  You
          have one of the cards which is now impossible to get through my
          sources.  I will be happy to create an appropriate map if you
          would like to lend me the card for a week or so.

          Also included in this archive is a complete copy of MDF, a
          "cardware" utility I've used myself for sending sysex files to
          the synthesizer.   This program was developed by Kai Risku and is
          included here only as a courtesy.  You are responsible for
          sending him an email message or postcard if you choose to use his
          software.   In future releases of this package I will probably
          include my own sysex dump program.


          ___________
          Limitations

          Well you knew there had to be some. . . The CM-64 can only
          respond to 15 channels so there is always one which remains
          forever silent.  I've chosen channel 16 as the silent one, and in
          my testing I find that most software doesn't use it anyway.  The
          PCM section of the module has only 84 built in tones.  This is
          obviously fewer than the 128 used in General Midi.  I've done the
          best I could to find acceptable substitutes for sounds that
          aren't included, but there are some (notably percussion, effects,
          and flutes) that will simply produce no sound if they are sent to
          the PCM channels (1_6 in this implementation)  This is helped
          considerably by supplementing the internal tones with an add on
          card (I'm especially fond of card 3 - Ethnic) but none of the
          cards I've tried really have all the sounds required to provide a
          full GM map.  The best I've been able to do is choose a card
          based on the kind of music being played.  (Card 8 is good for
          electronic music,  6 is good for orchestral, etc.)






          _______________
          Supported Cards

          1 - Pipe Organ & Harpsichord
          2 - Latin & Effects Percussion
          3 - Ethnic
          4 - Electric Piano & Clavinet
          6 - Orchestral Winds
          7 - Electric Guitar
          8 - Synthesizer
          9 - Guitar & Keyboards

          _____________________________
          Plans For Future Improvements

          I decided to release this package even though I'm not really
          satisfied with it yet, because the next step requires me to
          develop improved editing tools, and some of you have already been
          waiting a long time for me to release this.  The percussion map
          as it exists right now has some instrument substitutions which
          would probably anger the composers of a few of the tunes you'll
          hear through it.  I'm creating custom patches to rectify this.
          Also the LA section will allow for 64 user defined timbres.  Any
          slots left after I've finished repairing the rhythm section will
          go to improving some of the melodic voices on those channels.  If
          you have any particular voices you would like to nominate for
          replacement please feel free to let me know. (I already know the
          trumpet sounds sick!)

          __________
          Disclaimer

          Although I can't imagine how anyone could be hurt by any of the
          files contained in this archive, I am compelled to say that the
          author will not be held responsible for any damage resulting from
          the use of  these files in any way.  There is no warranty, and no
          guarantee that you will find them to be of any use.

          ____________
          Registration

          If you find these patches useful, I would appreciate a $15.00
          check (that's not much considering how much time went into this).


          _________________
          How To Contact Me

          Email:  rick.hoffner@gtri.gatech.edu
          Voice: (day)   - (404) 894 - 3629
                 (night) - (404) 284 - 2281
          FAX :  (day)   - (404) 894 - 0268
          Postal Carrier:     Richard W. Hoffner
                              898 Regal Path Ln.
                              Decatur, GA 30030
